Kauaʻi Businesses Recovering Post-Hurricane Lowell; Status Tracking Available
What happened
Businesses in Kauaʻi are recovering from Hurricane Lowell, while both islands face climate change-fueled disasters. A tourism industry nonprofit launched openkauai.org to provide information on the status of hundreds of Kauaʻi businesses. Kamika Smith, who runs Smith’s Kauai (offering river boat cruises and luau in Wailua), helped conceive the project. Leigh Hachen updated cocowire.com, noting that her checks indicate 70% of Kauaʻi’s eateries are currently open.
Why it matters
The initiative provides a resource for residents and visitors to locate open establishments as the island recovers. The status updates offer transparency regarding the operational viability of the local service economy in the face of severe weather impacts.
Who's involved
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The entities involved
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Kauaʻi
northernmost populated island of the Hawaiian archipelago
- Kauaʻi Island Utility Cooperative serves the island during severe weather, leading to customer surges at major retailers like Costco.
- A cooperative powering Kauaʻi is planning to retire its Kahului power plant, operates fossil fuel plants on Maui, and benefits from eased EPA greenhouse gas restrictions.
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Maui
second-largest of the Hawaiian Islands, in the United States
Related events
- Hurricane Lowell approached the island chain of Kauaʻi.
- Hurricane Lowell impacted both Kauaʻi and Niʻihau, with Mālama Kauaʻi operating on the island.
- Severe storm system, including Hurricane Lowell, is forecast to pass near Kauaʻi and Maui, causing flooding and debris.
- The American Red Cross is assisting in recovery efforts in Kauaʻi following the passage of Hurricane Lowell.
- Following Hurricane Lowell's passage, power restoration efforts are underway in Kauaʻi, with support from Maui County and officials like Jim Kelly.